Identifying Strange and Uncommon Game Fish

Use our guide to identify some of the strange or uncommon fish you might encounter.

Anglers are great at identifying popular game fish they’ve caught in the past. But what if you catch a new fish that neither you nor your buddy has ever seen before? Chances are that expert scientists have identified it. In this section, scroll through the many images Sport Fishing fans have sent to us over the years in search of identification. And be armed and ready with new knowledge the next time that oddball species slurps your bait.

Strange Fishes from the Deep: Gillbacker Sea Catfish and More
Strange Fishes from the Deep: Jaggerhead Gurnards and More
Strange Fishes from the Deep: Black Jacks and More
Same Fish Caught and Released Four Times in Six Years
What is Ciguatera Fish Poisoning?
Strange Fishes from the Deep: Cobia and more
Strange Fishes from the Deep: Opah and more
How and What Fish See
Strange Fishes From the Deep: Chimaeras and More
Strange Fishes From the Deep: Paloma Pompano and More
Where and How to Catch Trophy Roosterfish
Pacific Jacks Attack!
How Do Fish Have Sex?
Extraordinary Photos from Sport Fishing's "Last Cast" Pages, 2018
Why Fish are Attracted to Weeds
Extraordinary Photos of Miniature Game Fish off Hawaii
Strange Fishes From the Deep — Golden Tarpon and More
Strange Fishes From the Deep — Highfin Coral Grouper and More
Strange Fishes From the Deep — Yellowmouth Grouper and More
Strange Fishes From the Deep — Flapnose Catfish and More
14 World-Record Fish You Could Catch
20 Fabulous Game Fish of the Great Barrier Reef
25 Deep-Sea Creatures That Will Creep You Out
Strange Fishes From the Deep — Boarfish, Jungle Perch and More
Short Bigeye and Other Strange Fishes From the Deep
Armored Gurnards and Other Strange Fishes From the Deep
Gorgeous Swallowtails and Other Strange Fishes From the Deep
Golden Kali and Other Strange Fishes from the Deep
Tagged Roosterfish Recaptured After Nearly a Year
A SoCal Fishing Paradigm Shift